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NUMBER 168, OCTOBER 2005
ORGANIZATION NEWS
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEWS FROM THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
POSITIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
GRANTS AND AWARDS
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE
PERSONAL EXCHANGES
MEETINGS
NEWS OF MEMBERS
THE FLOCK: SPECIAL SECTION
VISIT THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETIES OF NORTH AMERICA:
OSNA - http://www.osnabirds.org
AOU - http://www.aou.org
AFO - http://www.afonet.org/index.html
COS - http://www.cooper.org/
WS - http://www.waterbirds.org
RRF - http://biology.boisestate.edu/raptor
WOS - http://www.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/birds/wos.html
BIRDNET - http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/index.html
WILLIAM BREWSTER MEMORIAL AWARD--Nominations are invited for the William Brewster
Memorial Award for 2006. The Brewster Award is given for the most meritorious
body of work (book, monograph, or series of related papers) on birds of the
Western Hemisphere published during the past ten years. Each nomination must
include: (1) the name and institution of the nominee, (2) a written description
of the contributions of the nominee to ornithology, and (3) a bibliography
that documents these contributions. Submit one electronic copy of the nomination
to the Chair, AOU Committee on Scientific Awards, JAMES D. RISING (EM: Rising@zoo.utoronto.ca),
by 1 Feb 2005.
ELLIOTT COUES AWARD–Nominations are invited for the Elliott Coues Award for 2006. The Elliott Coues Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to ornithological research and involves no limitation with respect to geographic area, sub-discipline(s) of ornithology, or the time course over which the work was done. Each nomination must include: (1) the name and institution of the nominee, (2) a written description of the contributions of the nominee to ornithology, and (3) a bibliography that documents these contributions. Submit one electronic copy of the nomination to the Chair, AOU Committee on Scientific Awards, JAMES D. RISING (EM: Rising@zoo.utoronto.ca), by 1 Feb 2005.
NED K. JOHNSON YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD--Nominations are invited for the Ned K. Johnson Young Investigator Award for 2006. The Ned K. Johnson Award recognizes outstanding and promising work by a researcher early in his/her career in any field of ornithology. Successful nominees will excel in research and show distinct promise for leadership in ornithology within and beyond North America. They must have received their doctorate within 5 years of being nominated, must not have received the award previously, and must be a member of the AOU at the time of nomination. To nominate a candidate for the Ned K. Johnson Young Investigator Award, submit one electronic copy of the following documents to the Chair, AOU Committee on Scientific Awards, JAMES D. RISING, (EM: Rising@zoo.utoronto.ca), by 1 Feb 2005: (1) a letter summarizing why the nominee should be considered for an award, including statements on his/her scientific accomplishments, the relevance of his/her research to scientific ornithology, and his/her promise as a leader in ornithology; (2) the candidate's curriculum vitae; and (3) two letters of support from colleagues.
AOU CONSERVATION AWARD--Nominations are invited for the AOU Conservation Award for 2006. The AOU Conservation Award recognizes extraordinary scientific contributions to the conservation, restoration, or preservation of birds and/or their habitats by an individual or small team (usually less than 10 people). Contributions from throughout the world and over any time course are eligible. Appropriate activities include: Applied research, restoration, and educational actions that conserve birds, or preserve significant bird habitats; - Scientific examination of the principles of avian conservation and application of new insights into species restoration; - Scientific evaluation, guidance, creation, and oversight of avian recovery programs or habitat reserve/restoration programs. To nominate a candidate for the AOU Conservation Award, submit one electronic copy of the following documents to the Chair, AOU Committee on Scientific Awards, JAMES D. RISING (EM: Rising@zoo. utoronto.ca), by 1 Feb 2005: (1) a letter summarizing why the nominee(s) should be considered for an award, including statements on scientific, educational, and conservation accomplishments, the relevance of his/her science to avian conservation, and his/her leadership in avian conservation, documentation of the conservation implications of the candidate's work, and what birds have benefitted from the science; (2) the candi-date's curriculum vitae; and (3) two letters of support from colleagues.
CALL FOR PLENARY SPEAKERS, SYMPOSIA, and WORKSHOPS for 4TH NAOC – Deadline 15 Oct 2005. PLENARY SPEAKERS: The Co-chairs of the Scientific Program Committee of the Fourth North American Ornithological Conference issue a call for suggestions for plenary speakers for NAOC 2006. Suggestions for plenary speakers require a statement of support for the speaker and a justification of his/her inclusion on the program. Ideally, plenary speakers will cover topics that fit the theme of joining the tropics and temperate zones together ("Wings Without Borders"). Plenary speakers may give their speech in either English or Spanish. Special consideration will be given if the plenary speaker is intended to lead off a symposium or is part of a society's awards program (such as the Nice Lecture for the Wilson Ornithological Society), although this will not guarantee one of the four plenary positions. If financial support for a plenary speaker is available, that will be considered in the final decision-making process. SYMPOSIA: The Co-chairs of the Scientific Program Committee of the Fourth North American Ornithological Conference issue a call for suggestions for symposia for NAOC 2006. Requests for symposia must be submitted by a chair or Co-chairs with a justification of the topic considered, a list of the speakers invited to participate in the symposium, a request for a particular number of talks (sessions are 10 papers long in the mornings and have two 6-paper sessions in the afternoons), and a note about how recently symposia on similar topics have occurred. The Scientific Program Committee requests that all symposia organizers leave a few open spots for papers which may be relevant to that topic but which may be added after the general call for papers (with agreement of symposia chairs, the Scientific Committee, and the author of the paper). Symposium talks may be given in English or Spanish; proposals for symposia should estimate how many talks will be given in each language. WORKSHOPS AND OTHER PRE-/POST- CONFERENCE MEETINGS: The Scientific Program Committee is only responsible for activities during the conference (from Tuesday evening through Saturday night); some groups may want to meet for workshops, discussions, or other activities before or after the conference. Although the committee will not be responsible for the content of such meetings, the Scientific Program Committee will serve as the clearinghouse for scheduling such meetings. This will allow for optimal use of available meeting rooms and minimize potential overlap among these meetings or with symposia that are a part of the conference. A variety of meeting rooms are available to us, including videoconferencing facilities at the University of Veracruz. Thus, anyone planning a workshop or other meeting before or after the conference is asked to notify the Committee Co-chairs. Please provide a brief outline of the activity, the kind of facilities needed, an estimate of the anticipated number of participants, as well as the proposed duration, to facilitate planning. If available, links can be provided to websites with further information on the event for inclusion in the conference brochure. The Scientific Program Committee hopes to make the final selection process for both plenary speakers and symposia as interactive as possible, and all correspondence regarding speakers or symposia should be done electronically. The deadline for submission of proposed symposia or plenary speakers is 15 Oct 2005. Information on workshops or other pre- or post-conference activities must also be received by that date to ensure inclusion in the conference announcement. Please note the general call for papers will be sent out later in 2005. All Proposals should be submitted to both Co-chairs of the Scientific Program Committee: JOHN FAABORG, University of Missouri-Columbia (EM: FaaborgJ@Missouri.edu) and J. FRANCISCO ORNELAS, Instituto de Ecología A.C., (EM: OrnelasJ@ecologia.edu.mx). For additional information about this conference, please check the conference web site at: http://www.naoc2006.org or contact the conference manager, HELEN SCHNEIDER LEMAY, (EM: helens@sgmeet.com).
THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION held its 123rd Stated Meeting at the University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 23-27 Aug 2005. STEPHEN I. ROTHSTEIN chaired the Committee on Local Arrangements, and MARY WHITFIELD chaired the Committee on Scientific Program. There were 648 registrants, 250 of them students. The program included 4 plenary lectures, 63 papers in 4 symposia, and 372 contributed papers (242 oral papers and 130 posters). AOU Officers elected or re-elected were President: JAMES A. KUSHLAN, President-Elect: ERICA H. DUNN, Vice-President: EDWARD H. BURTT, JR., Secretary: M. ROSS LEIN, Treasurer: FRANK B. GILL. Newly-elected Councilors were REED BOWMAN, ROBERT L. CURRY and HELEN F. JAMES. The Fellows elected two new Honorary Fellows: NICHOLAS B. DAVIES (United Kingdom) and EVGENY N. KUROCHKIN (Russian Federation), and five new Corresponding Fellows: CHRISTIAN ÉRARD (France), CRISTINA YUMI MIYAKI (Brazil), JAIME E. JIMÉNEZ (Chile), LESLEY ROGERS (Australia), and TREVOR H. WORTHY (New Zealand). Newly-elected Fellows are: KATHLEEN H. ANDERSON, GREGORY F. BALL, REED BOWMAN, NANCY TYLER BURLEY, CARLA CICERO, DAVID F. DESANTE, ALFRED M. DUFTY, JR., HELEN F. JAMES, JEFFREY S. MARKS, MICHAEL L. MORRISON, RAYMOND J. O'CONNOR, RICHARD O. PRUM, JOHN R. SAUER, SUSAN K. SKAGEN, and DORIS J. WATT. New Elective Members are: F. KEITH BARKER, CAROLEE CAFFREY, ETHAN D. CLOTFELTER, DEANNA K. DAWSON, JESSICA R. EBERHARD, T. LUKE GEORGE, CAMERON K. GHALAMBOR, CAROLE S. GRIFFITHS, DAVID G. HASKELL, MICHAELA HAU, PATRICIA J. HEGLUND, DAVID I. KING, DIANE L. H. NEUDORF, ELLEN I. PAUL, KATHRYN L. PURCELL, PETER PYLE, GREGORY J. ROBERTSON, STEPHEN J. SCHOECH, SCOTT H. STOLESON, and TIMOTHY F. WRIGHT. The Council re-elected SPENCER G. SEALY as Editor of The Auk, and JOHN R. FAABORG as Editor of Ornithological Monographs. The William Brewster Memorial Award for 2005 was presented to ROBERT M. ZINK and the Elliott Coues Award for 2005 was presented to NICHOLAS B. DAVIES. Two new scientific awards were presented for the first time. KEVIN J. MCGRAW was the first recipient of the Ned K. Johnson Young Investigator Award and THOMAS E. LOVEJOY, III was the first recipient of the AOU Conservation Award. KIMBERLY G. SMITH received the Marion Jenkinson AOU Service Award for 2005.
The 124th Stated Meeting of the AOU will be held in conjunction with the Fourth North American Ornithological Conference at the World Trade Center in Veracruz, México, 3-7 Oct 2006.
AOU PRESENTATION AWARDS were given to three students for excellence in the rigor and quality of their scientific papers at the 123rd Stated Meeting at the University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 23-27 Aug 2005. These awards, which are unranked, were presented to the winners at the annual banquet. The NELLIE JOHNSON BAROODY AWARD for 2005 was given to SHIWAY WANG, University of Alaska - Fairbanks, "Diet assessment of Northern Fulmars in Alaska using fatty acid signature analysis". Two AOU COUNCIL AWARDS for 2005 were given to JOHN MCCORMACK, University of California - Los Angeles, "Locally adaptive bill morphology in Mexican Jays on an elevation gradient"; and JOSEPH FONTAINE, University of Montana, "Nest predation and the expression of alternative reproductive strategies: an experimental test".
MARCIA BRADY TUCKER TRAVEL AWARDS were granted to 57 outstanding students to help defray expenses for transportation to the 123rd Stated Meeting at the University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 23-27 Aug 2005. The AOU Committee on Student Awards is pleased to announce the winners for 2005: JULIAN AVERY, Eastern New Mexico University, "The effects of habitat fragmentation on landscape-level processes and stopover habitat associations of Nearctic-Neotropical migrating birds", JILL AWKERMAN, Wake Forest University, "Isotopic differences in foraging habitat identified by δ15N and δ13C values in Waved Albatrosses", KATA BAVRLIC, Trent University, "Effects of partial harvesting on the demography and habitat selection of primary cavity nesting birds in the Carolinian zone of southwestern Ontario”, AARON BOONE, Ohio State University, "Linking migration and winter ecology in a long-distance migratory songbird using stable-carbon isotope analysis”, RAOUL BOUGHTON, University of Memphis, "Asynchronous hatching in Florida Scrub-Jays is associated with lighter females and smaller egg volumes”, MELISSA BOWLIN, Princeton University, "Do morphological characteristics correlated with in-flight heart rate and wing-beat frequency vary with arrival date in the Swainson's Thrush?", ALICE BOYLE, University of Arizona, "Patterns of nest predation risk along a tropical altitudinal gradient”, NICHOLAS BROWN, Arkansas Tech University, "Initial avian community response to oak woodland restoration in the Ozark National Forest, Arkansas”, MICHAEL BUTLER, Boise State University, "Immunocompetence and neonatal daily investigator handling of two cavity nesting species”, CARLOS CADENA, University of St. Louis, "Molecular phylogenetics and comparative phylogeography shed light on the role of competition in the origin and maintenance of altitudinal distributions of Buarremon brush-finches (Emberizinae)”, ANNA CHALFOUN, University of Montana, "The influence of spatial context on nest predation risk”, J. ALAN CLARK, University of Washington, "Calling is contagious in male Magellanic Penguins”, MARIA NANDA CORTES-RODRIQUES, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, "Population genetics of the Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus): does genetic data and population history support the recognition of different species?", SARAH COULTER, University of Arkansas, "Wood Thrush density, home ranges and movements in relation to forest management in the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana”, E. REBECCA CRAMER, St. Mary's College of Maryland, "Vocal performance and responses to different song types in Red-Winged Blackbirds”, JENNIFER DIMICELI, Louisiana State University, "Winter diet and seed selection of Henslow's Sparrows in southeastern Louisiana”, JENNIFER ELLIOT, Ohio State University, "Effects of nutritional condition on the response to mate-loss by permanent-resident territorial birds: tests of predictions from dynamic optimality theory”, MARTHA ELLIS, University of Connecticut, "Modeling Mute Swan population dynamics: ecological, economic, ethical considerations”, JOSEPH FONTAINE, University of Montana, "Nest predation and the expression of alternative reproductive strategies: an experimental test”, JEFF FOSTER, University of Illinois, "Habitat-specific demography and invasion by exotic forest birds in Hawaii”, JEROME FUCHS, Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, France, "Nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data drummed the traditional taxonomy and biogeographic history of the woodpeckers (Picidae)”, CHANTAL GAGNON, University of Saskatchewan, "Seasonal diet shifts in a migratory population of Yellow-rumped Warblers: insights from stable isotope analysis”, JILL GANNON, University of Georgia, "The importance of multi-scale habitat characteristics to brood parasitism of the Prothonotary Warbler within a bottomland hardwood forest”, JULIA GARVIN, University of Wisconsin, "Extra-pair mate choice and immune response in Common Yellowthroats”, SARAH HECHTENTHAL, University of Calgary, "A quantitative study of habitat use by sympatric Alder and Willow flycatchers in Alberta”, ERIN L. HEWETT, Cornell University, "The effect of Brown-headed Cowbird removal on the demography of the Dickcissel”, JEREMY KIRCHMAN, Florida Museum Natural History, "Historical biogeography of Gallirallus rails in Oceania inferred from mtDNA sequence data”, ERIN KNOLL, Arkansas Tech University, "Comparison of historical and current nesting habitat for Interior Least Terns on the Arkansas River, Arkansas”, JEFFREY KOVATCH, Syracuse University, "Effect of increased temperature on growth rate in thermally dependent altricial nestlings”, NANCY LAFLEUR, University of Connecticut, "The fruits of success: an examination of the effectiveness of European Starlings as seed dispersers for invasive plants”, SHONA LAWSON, University of Saskatchewan, "Isotopic evidence of income breeding in two arctic nesting birds”, KENNETH LEVENSTEIN, Arkansas State University, "Reproductive ecology of the cooperatively polyandrous Galapágos Hawk: how many males are enough - and who decides?", JOHN MACEY, Stephen F. Austin State Univ, "Threshold limits of hardwood midstory for foraging Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, in loblolly(Pinus taeda) / shortleaf (Pinus echinata) pine ecosystems in east Texas”, DYLAN MADDOX, University of Illinois, "Nests without eggs: abandonment or cryptic predation?", TERRI MANESS, Wake Forest University, "Ontogenic sex ratio variation, male-biased adult sex ratio, and higher female variance in reproductive success in Nazca Boobies”, JAMES MARSHALL, Ohio State University, "Cardinals and West Nile virus: patterns and consequences”, JUAN MARTINEZ-GOMEZ, University of Missouri, "The locust outbreak on Socorro Island: a devastating example of a disrupted avian trophic cascade”, MARK MENDELSOHN, San Diego State University, "Surveying for the Greater Roadrunner, a cryptic and low-density species, in fragmented southern California habitat patches”, BRANDON NOEL, Georgia Southern University, "Critical wintering site for Great Lakes Piping Plovers”, GULLERMO PEREZ, University of Saskatchewan, "Combining genetics and stable isotopes to infer migratory connectivity of Loggerhead Shrikes wintering in México”, GUADALUPE QUIROZ, Sam Houston State University, "Nest vigilance by male Carolina Wrens during incubation”, SUSHMA REDDY, . The Field Museum, "Historical biogeography of southern Asia: continental diversification of birds”, D. L. ROBERTS, University of Idaho, "Forest fragmentation and the Wood Thrush: encouraging results from the tropics”, VINODKUMAR SARANATHAN, Ohio Wesleyan University, "Similarity of repeated samples of plumage microflora of short- and long-distance migrants”, GREGORY SCHMALTZ, McMaster University, "Non-destructive sampling of maternal DNA from the external shell of bird eggs”, RUA STOB, University of Georgia, "Large-scale habitat features and Swallow-tailed Kite nest success in Georgia: integrating cost-explicit models into species management”, KIRA SULLIVANWILEY, University of Connecticut, "Biomechanics of prey processing in Carmine and White-throated bee-eaters (Merops)”, BENJAMIN THATCHER, University of Tennessee, "Henslow's Sparrow winter survival estimates and response to prescribed burning”, TRACY WALKER, Iowa State University, "Influence of habitat restoration management on nesting ecology of grassland songbirds in remnant prairies of the Loess Hills, Iowa”, SHIWAY WANG, University of Alaska Fairbanks, "Diet assessment of Northern Fulmars in Alaska using fatty acid signature analysis”, MARK WESTBROCK, Wake Forest University, "Biased hatching sex ratio in the size dimorphic Nazca Booby suggests constraint rather than adaptation”, GREGOR YANEGA, University of Connecticut, "How does jaw flexion contribute to insectivorous feeding performance in hummingbirds?", PAUL ZWEIRS, Smithsonian Institution, "Distribution of ultraviolet sensitivity in the Passeriformes”.
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NEW MoSI STATIONS AND BIRD BANDERS NEEDED FOR WINTER 2005-06. MoSI (Monitoreo de Sobrevivencia Invernal) is a cooperative effort among more than 30 organizations, agencies and individual bird banders established in 2002 to assess the quality of Neotropical migratory landbird habitats in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Contributors to the MoSI program operate bird-banding stations during 3-5 monthly pulses (each pulse consisting of 2-3 days of mist-netting) between Nov and Mar. With support from the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA), The Institute for Bird Populations will provide limited financial support ($640 US per station per year) to MoSI stations operating during the winters of 2005-06 and 2006-07. Although new stations are needed in a variety of regions and habitats, they are particularly needed in the Atlantic Lowlands of Mexico and in the Caribbean and in tropical dry forest and mangrove habitats. Bird banders interested in establishing MoSI stations for the 2005-06 winter season should contact CLAUDIA ROMO DE VIVAR ALVAREZ (EM: clarovial@birdpop.org; for stations in Mexico), SALVADORA MORALES (EM: smorales@birdpop.org; for stations in Central America) or JAMES SARACCO (EM: jsaracco@ birdpop.org; for stations in the Caribbean). Banders interested in volunteering at existing MoSI stations should visit the MoSI Bulletin Board at http://www.birdpop.org/MoSI/MoSIBB.asp. For more information, visit http://www.birdpop.org/MoSI/MoSI.htm.
JOHN OSTROM, Emeritus Professor, Yale University died 16 July 2005. Ostrom was a world renowned paleontologist and worked on the origin of birds (he described a specimen of Archaeopteryx), and the evolution of flight.
SEABIRD RESEARCH TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP--Gerace Research Center, San Salvador, Bahamas, 18 - 24 Jun 2006. Instructors: Betty Anne Schreiber (Research Associate, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Inst.) and Bill Hayes (Loma Linda University, CA). The workshop will cover many aspects of field techniques used in the study of seabird biology and ecology, and for conservation issues. Participants will learn methods ornithologists use to census and study seabirds, how to band birds, what to census and how, how to collect morphological data, and why an understanding of behavior is important to working with seabirds. The Research Center is right on the Ocean and the seabirds nest on nearby cliffs and islands just offshore. Sponsored by American Birding Association Institute for Field Ornithology. For Further details: ABA, PO Box 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6599 (PH: 719-578-9703 x235, FX: 719-578-1480, EM: ifo@aba.org, URL: http://www.americanbirding.org/ifo/).
AVAILABLE: Alpine study site with a complete 40-year continuous run of data on Lagopus leucura. Easily accessible during May through October. Most birds banded with known histories. Numerous research hypotheses to be tested. Ideal for LTER with possible close-in housing (to be arranged with local University). Long-term investigator available for 'training' in techniques and location. Access to long-term data set negotiable. Queries from Principal Investigators and graduate students welcome. Available starting in 2006. Please contact: CLAIT E. BRAUN, Grouse Inc. (EM: sg-wtp@juno.com).
CALL FOR PAPERS AND EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST--Birds Australia's Third Biennial Australasian Ornithological Conference will be held at Blenheim, New Zealand on 6 - 10 Dec 2005. This conference provides a regular forum for the exchange of information and ideas between avian researchers and conservationists throughout the Australasian region. This year it will be held in Blenheim, hosted by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand. The Australasian Wader Studies Group will hold their two-day conference immediately following the AOC 2005 at Nelson, from 11 - 13 Dec. The ASC is the conference of the Australasian Wader Study Group and is focused on shorebird research and conservation. Both conferences will have post-conference field excursions. Following the AOC these include boat trips off Kaikoura to see seabirds, Marlborough Sounds launch trips to see inshore seabirds and rare forest species surviving on predator free islands, and the opportunity to visit a Department of Conservation Mainland Island project. After the ASC a two day trip to Farewell Spit will be run. People attending both conferences will be in a position to join AOC field trips before the ASC conference. You are invited to express your interest in attending these conferences, and presenting a paper by visiting http://www.osnz.org.nz/conference.htm, or by writing to the conference coordinator: SUE BELL, 35 Selmes Rd, RD 3, Blenheim, New Zealand (EM: wmilblenheim@clear.net.nz). For further information visit http:// www.osnz.org.nz/conference or http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/aoc/
TRAVEL SUPPORT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY, TOURS, FRANCE, 23 - 28 Jul 2006. Pending funding by the National Science Foundation, the ISBE American Committee is offering partial travel support to US citizens and permanent residents to facilitate attending the 11th ISBE meeting in Tours, France. Priority for funding will be given to those who (1) are planning to give a presentation (oral or poster) at the meeting; (2) have received or are about to receive their Ph.D. but that are junior in level or otherwise not yet established in the field; and (3) have limited or no access to institutional or external funding that can be used to attend the meeting. In an attempt to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of attendees from the US, we especially encourage minority applicants. To apply for a travel award, submit (preferably by email) (1) a 1-2 page curriculum vita, (2) an expanded abstract (1 page maximum) of the work you plan on submitting for consideration to the ISBE program, (3) a proposed budget, including any additional sources of travel support available, and (4) names and email addresses of two references, to DR. WALTER D. KOENIG, Hastings Reservation, 38601 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 (EM: koenigwd@berkeley.edu). Application deadline is 1 Jan 2006. We will notify successful applicants by 15 Feb. 2006.
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Provided by DAVID E. BLOCKSTEIN, Chair (EM: oc@cnie.org), and ELLEN PAUL, Executive Director (EM: ellen.paul@verizon.net), The Ornithological Council. Major funding for the Ornithological Council is provided by its eleven member societies: American Ornithologists' Union, Association of Field Ornithologists, CIPAMEX, Cooper Ornithological Society, Neotropical Ornithological Society, Pacific Seabird Group, Raptor Research Foundation, Society of Canadian Ornithologists, Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds, Waterbird Society, and Wilson Ornithological Society. We also appreciate the support of individual ornithologists.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL! Most of the support for the Ornithological Council is provided by our eleven member societies, which support the OC as an important benefit for their members. However, support from individual ornithologists is also an important source of funding for OC's efforts to "keep the world safe for ornithology." Thank you to all who have contributed in the past. We appreciate your support! Membership renewal notices will be sent in the next few weeks, and we hope you will consider contributing to the Ornithological Council. You will find a line on the printed renewal notice, at the top of the column where you will list your dues and contributions to the OSNA societies. You can also contribute via the OSNA website (URL: http://www.osnabirds.org) if you renew online. The line for contributions to the OC will appear on the same webpage as the society membership dues and contributions.
PERMITS WORKSHOP/GUIDES – At the 123rd stated meeting of the American Ornithologists’ Union (23-27 Aug, Santa Barbara, California), the Ornithological Council organized a workshop on import permits. Approximately 45 ornithologists attended the workshop, which featured talks by Mike Carpenter and Sheila Einsweiler, experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Management Authority (the CITES Management Authority) and Office of Law Enforcement, respectively. Joining them were Terry A. Morris, DVM and Dan Kaczmarski, from the USDA Veterinary Services National Center for Import-Export and the Branch of Regulatory Analysis and Development, respectively. Importing bird specimens and tissue is a complex process and much confusion and uncertainty has developed over the years. These experts patiently led ornithologists through the intricacies of the process, imparting extremely valuable information and tips. The workshop also helped to identify areas in which policy refinements are needed. All this information will appear in a guide prepared by the Ornithological Council and thoroughly reviewed by agency staff for accuracy and completeness, and by several diligent ornithologists. It is hoped that the guide, along with a companion guide for importing live birds, will be published by the end of September.
U.S. BIRD BANDING LAB ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPROVED BY SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR - The Department of the Interior has approved the establishment of a Federal Advisory Committee for the U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory. The Committee will provide advice and recommendations to the Federal Government, through the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), on the conduct and activities of the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL). The purpose of the Committee will be to represent the interests of the bird banding community, including both game and non-game birds, in advising the Federal Government on current and future management of the BBL. The Committee will provide advice and guidance to assist the BBL in fulfilling its essential and primary role of supporting the needs of regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Canadian Wildlife Service, and state fish and game agencies, while also addressing the emerging needs of the larger conservation and research communities. The USGS is asking the Committee, which will hold its first meeting in late November, to develop a report that defines a vision for the Laboratory over the next ten to fifteen years, as well as recommend priority actions to meet the needs of the migratory bird regulatory, conservation, and banding communities, a single public meeting will not suffice. Ornithological Council Executive Director Ellen Paul is among the 12 appointed members, along with ornithologists C.J. Ralph, David DeSante, Paul Doherty, Paul Green, and Joe Jehl. We urge ornithologists to communicate their questions and concerns about the U.S. Bird Banding Lab to the Ornithological Council, so that we make take full advantage of our opportunity to bring these concerns to the Committee.
GUIDELINES TO THE USE OF WILD BIRDS IN RESEARCH - The Ornithological Council would like to remind faculty members and students that the peer-reviewed Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research is posted on BIRDNET, the Ornithological Council website in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The URL is http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/GuideToUse/index.html. We encourage those who handle live birds - in the field or in captivity - to consult Guidelines on a regular basis. Even experienced ornithologists may benefit from occasional review. In addition, Guidelines has proved to be invaluable to ornithologists who have been challenged by their Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees about aspects of research protocols. Finally, we would like to remind ornithologists that Guidelines and the other services provided by the Ornithological Council are membership benefits provided to you by virtue of the support provided to the Ornithological Council by its eleven member societies, which in turn are made possible by your membership dues.
NATIONAL ACADEMY APPOINTS PANEL TO CONSIDER IMPACTS OF WIND ENERGY ON WILDLIFE - Pursuant to a directive from Congress, the National Academies Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology has established an expert committee of scientists to carry out a scientific study of the environmental impacts of wind-energy projects, focusing on the Mid-Atlantic Highlands as a case example. Ornithologists on the panel include Christopher Clark (I.P. Johnson Director of the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology), Sidney Gauthreaux (Professor of Biological Sciences at Clemson University), and Robert Whitmore (Professor of Wildlife Ecology at West Virginia University). The study will consider adverse and beneficial effects, including impacts on landscapes, viewsheds, wildlife, habitats, water resources, air pollution, greenhouse gases, materials-acquisition costs, and other impacts. Using information from wind-power projects proposed or in place in the Mid-Atlantic Highlands and other regions as appropriate, the committee will develop an analytical framework for evaluating those effects that can inform siting decisions for wind energy projects. The study also will identify major areas of research and development needed to better understand the environmental impacts of wind-energy projects and reduce or mitigate negative environmental effects. The panel held its first meeting on 19 Sep 2005. A prepublication report will be issued at the end of the project in Dec 2006.
USGS TO GET SMALL INCREASE IN FY2006 - In July, the final version of the fiscal year 2006 spending legislation for the Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and related agencies. Efforts by the USGS Coalition, which includes the Ornithological Council, may have played a role in securing an increase of 4.3% over the prior fiscal year. While this may seem like a small increase, this is actually quite a large increase compared to the trends of recent years, where research agencies have barely held stable in funding, or have even sustained small decreases. In fact, the President's budget request for USGS would have resulted in a $2 million decrease from FY2005. Unfortunately for biologists, most of the $40 million increase goes to hazards programs, including Landsat, tsunami-related activities, and coastal and marine geology.
ORNITHOLOGICAL EXPERTISE BROUGHT TO DISCUSSION OF "PROBLEM" CROW ROOSTS - Ornithologists Carolee Caffrey (College of New Jersey) and Margaret Brittingham (Penn State University) have been serving on a panel appointed by the Pennsylvania Pesticide Advisory board to examine USDA Wildlife Services' request to use DRC 1339 (an avicide) in conjunction with other control methods to reduce and disperse a large crow roost near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Caffrey, an expert on crow behavior, and Brittingham, an avian ecologist and wildlife extension specialist, have advised the panel that an avicide is unlikely to dispel the roost, and will likely kill many nontarget birds and animals. Brittingham will report to the Pesticide Advisory Board when it meets on 23 Sep 2005. The Pesticide Advisory Board will advise the PA Department of Agriculture as to whether they should seek a special use permit from EPA to use DRC1339 on roosting crows. EPA will need to approve the use of DRC1339 before Wildlife Services Personnel can use it on roosting crows in the state. The issue has ramifications beyond Pennsylvania; communities in New York State and elsewhere are seeking to dispel or reduce crow roosts and many are considering the use of avicides. In fact, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services is now attempting to obtain a nationwide registration (approval) from EPA for use of this avicide on corvids.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY ON ITS 100th ANNIVERSARY - The Ornithological Council extends a hearty congratulations to the National Audubon Society, which is celebrating 100 years of bird conservation achievements that span habitat preservation, landmark legislation (including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act), awareness and education activities (such as the favorite winter pastime of birders - the Christmas Bird Count), and wildlife restoration activities such as Project Puffin. The Ornithological Council is honored to have opportunities to work with the National Audubon Society on occasion and to have Audubon Director of Bird Conservation Greg Butcher as a member of its Board of Directors.
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INFORMATION NEEDED ON GOLDEN-WINGED AND BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS SOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES BORDER--Both Golden-winged (Vermivora chrysoptera) and Blue-winged (V. pinus) warblers are species of high continental conservation concern (Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan, 2004). Golden-wings, in particular, have experienced a population decline on the breeding grounds of over 50% over the past 35 years (Breeding Bird Survey). Major hypotheses for Golden-winged Warbler decline include climate change, habitat loss on the breeding and non-breeding grounds, migration mortality, and hybridization with Blue-winged Warblers. The Golden-winged Warbler Working Group—comprised of over 80 U.S., Canadian, and Latin American ornithologists, conservationists, and managers from academia, federal and state agencies, international non-governmental organizations, and industry—met in August 2005 in Siren, Wisconsin, to develop priorities for research and strategies for conservation action for the species. One of the standing committees of the Working Group organized at the Siren workshop, the Alianza Ala Dorada (Golden-winged Alliance), will explore the possibility that the population size of this species may be limited by conditions during its migration and non-breeding season in the tropics and will forge research and conservation collaborations beneficial to Golden-winged Warblers and the many other species with which it shares habitat in South and Central America. Alianza Ala Dorada has reviewed existing specimen data and published information on Golden-winged and Blue-winged warbler records from northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. There is no question, however, that unpublished observations will substantially increase our understanding of the non-breeding distribution of these birds and will help us identify significant densities and appropriate habitat in order to focus meaningful conservation measures. We therefore request interested birders and biologists to send us details on sight observations or station captures for Golden-wings, Blue-wings, and their hybrids outside of the United States and Canada. Please include the following information for each observation: species (or hybrid), observer, date, precise locality (country, province, and as much detailed site data as possible, including lat-long coordinates, if known), habitat description, elevation, number of birds observed (with sex and age, if known), and any other potentially useful comments (e.g., nature of flocks and associated species). Please send records from South America (Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador) to MARIA ISABEL MORENO (Fundacion ProAves Colombia, URL: http://www.proaves.org, EM: mmoreno@proaves.org) and records from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to Mariamar Gutiérrez (ALAS Nicaragua, URL: http://www.avesnicaragua.org, EM: mariamar@avesnicaragua.org). Gracias!
SEEKING DONATIONS - Cuban Sandhill Cranes and other sensitive avian species need your help. Duplicate or unwanted avian/ecology journals are needed for our research colleagues at a newly formed reserve in Northern Cuba. Any donations would be appreciated in order to help us build a small library to help in the exchange of knowledge and facilitate productive research and conservation. Please contact KAREN LEAVELLE at the Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust, 6611 W. Whooping Crane Dr., Wood River, NE 68883 (EM: kleavelle@ whoopingcrane.org, PH: 402-326-3525).
REQUESTING REPRINTS. Will pay photocopy fees and postage, plus time involved. Please call or e-mail for preferred journals and subjects. Because I am disabled and on limited income, my limit is seventy-five dollars per year,. GRANT STEVENSON, Seneca House, 946 Seneca Street, Apt. 11, Bethlehem, PA 18015-2607 U.S.A. (PH/FX: 610-867-2862. EM: buteogs@netzero.com).
INFORMATION NEEDED ON CAPTIVE-REARED PIPING PLOVERS-Please keep your eyes on Piping Plover legs along the Gulf of Mexico coast line this winter! This summer the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority collected Piping Plover eggs threatened by flooding at Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan, and captive-reared the young. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority recently released over 100 of the captive-reared Piping Plover chicks at Chaplin Lake, Saskatchewan, and most chicks appear to have begun migrating. Information regarding the survival and location of these fledglings on the wintering grounds will be critical to assess the success of this project. The banding scheme is in conjunction with an ongoing Canadian Wildlife Service research study: each bird has a metal band and a black flag on the upper legs, plus a unique combination of 3 color-bands on the lower legs (including light green, dark green, dark blue, black, grey, red, orange, yellow; there may be two of the same colors on the same part of the leg). It is important to record the exact sequence of bands on each leg (including which leg the flag is on) as this will enable individuals to be identified. Please include the following information when submitting a sighting: the date, location of sighting (as detailed as possible), band combination, and apparent health of the individual. Please submit your sightings to CORIE WHITE (EM: corie.white@swa.ca, PH: 306-787-9057 and CHERI GRATTO-TREVOR (EM: cheri.gratto-trevor@ec.gc.ca, PH: 306-975-6128).
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The Positions and Opportunities section is available only in the on-line edition. This information can be accessed from the Ornithological Newsletter Home Page (http://www.osnabirds.org/on), or directly at (http://www.osnabirds.org/on/ornjobs.htm). Submissions can be made at any time. Please send submissions to the Ornithological Newsletter Editor, Cheryl Trine, (EM: ctrine@andrews.edu). This posting service is free of charge.
A LISTSERVE SERVICE is available. Subscribers to this list will receive the new job announcements on a regular basis. These are the same announcements as will appear on-line. To subscribe, send the following message to: listproc@cornell.edu, "subscribe BirdJobs-L your name". The subject line should be blank. Please send your message using the "plain text only" e-mail format option and include your name in the message.You leave by sending the message "unsubscribe BirdJobs-L" to listproc@cornell.edu.
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FOR INFORMATION ON CONTINUING GRANTS PROGRAMS relevant to ornithological research, visit: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/Grants/index.html.
FRANCOIS VUILLEUMIER FUND FOR RESEARCH ON NEOTROPICAL BIRDS–The goal of the Neotropical Ornithological Society’s Francois Vuilleumier Fund is to award one or more cash grants per year for thesis studies of Neotropical birds to one or several graduate students from any country in Latin America and the Caribbean . The funds are provided to assist thesis research by students, enrolled in an institution in the Neotropics who have little or no access to funds within their country or at their institution. Awards will be competitive and are expected to be in the range of $500. Students from Latin America and the Caribbean enrolled in a graduate degree program (Masters or Ph.D.) at an institution in the Neotropical Region are eligible to apply. Application Calendar: Application Deadline: 10 Dec of each year (e-mail Receipt); Announcement of Awards: 15 March of each year. Further Information: Fund information and guidelines are available on the Neotropical Ornithological Society website (URL: http://www.neotropicalornithology.org). For additional information contact DR. JOSEPH M. WUNDERLE (EM: wunderle@coqui.net).
DENNIS RAVELING SCHOLARSHIP for Waterfowl Research is awarded annually to a student/s with a desire to pursue a career in waterfowl or wetlands ecology. Awards are based on the candidate's resolve, high academic achievement, and project merit. Candidates must be pursuing an advanced university degree in: Wildlife, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, or other pertinent biological science. Applicants should submit a ONE page proposal summary description on an original research or management project. Applicants should be prepared to submit a detailed project proposal if requested. The Scholarship is intended to provide field experience and training in the tools, methods, and concepts of waterfowl and wetlands research and management. A committee composed of previous students and professional colleagues of Dennis Raveling will select the winning candidates. There will be two Awards given this year. 1st Place will be $2000 paid in quarterly installments; 2nd Place will be $1,000 paid in quarterly installments. Applicants should submit a resume and a brief (one page) study proposal or statement explaining the course of study for which they need support. This material must be accompanied by a letter from a faculty member indicating willingness to sponsor the candidate and detailing any requirements (e.g. provision for a final report or thesis) for receiving university credit. Names and phone numbers of two references are also required (include at least one University instructor and/or previous employment supervisor). All materials should be submitted by 31 Oct 2005. Complete package should include: One page, single-spaced Proposal Summary, Resume, Statement of Interest, Letter of Support from faculty member, Names and phone numbers of two references. Mail to: California Waterfowl Association 4630 Northgate Blvd., Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95834 ATTN: NICOLE BERSET
SANDPIPER EXPANDS 2006 GRANTS TO INCLUDE NEW EQUIPMENT–Sandpiper Technologies has expanded its grant/rental fleet to include new wireless, digital and fuel cell technology. The new Sandpiper tools for wildlife research include:
Peeper Burrow Video Probe includes longer video probe extensions. STI replaced all of the analog video recorders in the rental/grant fleet with new, lightweight ELF DVRs. Previous Sentinel Systems weighed 30 pounds and required a 70-pound battery. The new Sentinel ELF weighs 28 pounds, and includes the battery needed to run the system. Two DVR units are included in the grant, one for field use and the other for lab viewing. The image files download directly into a PC or Macintosh computer, eliminating the need for storage cassettes or tapes. The ELF color/IR camera captures color images during daylight conditions and monochrome at night. Sandpiper introduced the Sentinel Fuel Cell Remote Power System earlier this year and has added several units to its grant fleet. The 50 watt methanol fuel cell makes research in remote areas more accessible by replacing heavy lead acid batteries with a system that can be placed in a backpack. The new fuel cell reduces the environmental impact of battery disposal. When incorporated with the Sentinel ELF 24 Digital Video Recorder the fuel cell can operate for more than two weeks without requiring additional fuel. The system can also be used to charge 12 volt equipment such as laptops and cell phones. Sandpiper has upgraded all of its cabled TreeTops to the new wireless configuration. This tangle-free telescoping nest inspection system transmits color images from the camera at the top of the 50-foot pole to the LCD monitor located at the pole’s base. The Peeper Video Burrow Probes now has a greater variety of gooseneck video extensions, including a 7 meter probe for exploring gopher tortoises borrows. Sandpiper Technologies, Inc. (STI) loans its rental fleet of video research equipment to approximately 15 biology students each field season. The company has offered single-season grants since 1988 to further the educational goals of students studying wildlife biology and ecology. The application deadline for the STI Equipment Grant Program 2006 field season is 1 Dec 2005. Application requirements, equipment list and grant criteria are posted on the web site (URL: http://www.sandpipertech.com).
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THE ILLINOIS BREEDING BIRD ATLAS by Vernon M. Kleen, Liane Cordle and Robert A. Montgomery, 2004. Illinois Natural History Survey Special Publication No. 26. Champaign, IL. xviii+ 459 pp., 8½ x 11, 2 color photos, 184 b&w photos and 197 color maps. ISBN 1-882932-07-2, $25.95 (postage and handling included). This, Illinois’ first breeding bird atlas, offers birders, ornithologists, conservationists, environmental planners and land use managers a wealth of information on the status, distribution and population trends of Illinois’ nearly 200 breeding species, provides a baseline for measuring future changes in the state’s avifauna, and helps in efforts to conserve, protect and enhance Illinois’ avian populations. The publication includes extensive accounts, including range, distribution, abundance, breeding habitat and life history for 183 species plus photographs and attractive and easy to interpret distribution maps for these species. Atlas data were gathered from 1986 through 1991 by the collective efforts of nearly 950 supporters, both volunteer and professional, in 998 (98%) of the state’s 1018 potential priority blocks plus an additional 288 non-priority blocks. A notable feature of the publication is the presentation of breeding bird survey data from 1966 through 2000 in trend graphs for both Illinois and the Upper Midwest and detailed anal yses for those species where trends could be determined. Persons interested in breeding birds of the Midwest should find this publication useful. Order from: Distribution Office, Illinois Natural History Survey, 607 E. Peabody, Champaign, IL 61820 (PH:217-333-6880, EM: rjohnson@ inhs.uiuc.edu).
THE ARIZONA BREEDING BIRD ATLAS, edited by Troy Corman and Cathryn Wise-Gervais. University of New Mexico Press. 8.5 x 11, 646 pages, 335 color photographs, 282 maps. ISBN: 0-8263-3379-6 $45.00 (hardcover), is the capstone of the first comprehensive statewide survey of Arizona's breeding birds. More than 700 surveyors, mainly volunteers, reported a total of 376 bird species during the 1993–2000 field seasons. Of those species, 283 were confirmed as breeding and 18 additional species were suspected of potentially nesting in the state during the atlas survey period. This atlas provides a breeding distribution snapshot for each of Arizona's nesting bird species at the end of the twentieth century. The data compiled in this book will serve as a baseline against which to judge future changes. It also provides a wealth of natural history information. Each of the 270 two-page species accounts contains a color photo of the species and a range map summarizing the breeding distribution records collected during the atlas survey period. The accompanying descriptive text and graphs provide nesting habitat information and a timeline chronicling each bird's breeding phenology and migratory status in Arizona. Another 47 species are briefly discussed. Additional chapters describe atlas methods, results, and Arizona ornithological history, as well as topography, climate, and habitat diversity, which ultimately govern bird species distribution in the state. Useful to land managers and biologists, the atlas will also be a resource for birders and educators and will increase public awareness of Arizona's vast avian life. URL: http://www.unmpress.com/Book.php?id=10473189937981
NESTS, EGGS, AND NESTLINGS OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS, 2nd edition, by Paul J. Baicich and Colin J. O. Harrison. 2005. Princeton University Press. 64 color plates, 600+ color illustrations, 100 b/w illustrations, 416 pp., 6 x 9, ISBN (paper) 0-691-12295-4. $29.95. This volume provides a thorough species-by-species guide to the breeding biology of the birds of North America. Some 670 breeding species are described in full, covering the birds of a vast area, from the Arctic to the southern boundary of the continental United States. The main text presents complete basic information on the breeding cycle of each species, summarized in a natural sequence: nest habitat, nest-site, nest construction, breeding season, eggs, incubation and nesting, and nestling period. More than 700 color and line illustrations provide valuable information on the identification of nests, eggs, and nestlings of 597 species. The book summarizes all that is known of this crucial part of a bird’s life cycle, and by omission, points to what is yet unknown and may yet be discovered by the scientific ornithologist and birder alike. If your fascination in the nests, eggs, and nestlings of North American birds centers on identifying them in the field, you will find this book essential. If conservation is also a concern, you will appreciate the value of understanding the breeding requirements and biology of even the most common species. Available from: Princeton University Press (URL: http://www.pupress.princeton.edu).
RAPTORS AND OWLS OF GEORGIA, by R. A. Galvez, L. Gavashelishvili and Z. Javakhishvili. 2005. Georgian Centre for the Conservation of Wildlife. 128 pp., color illustrations and maps. ISBN (soft cover) 999407718X. £14.99 (approx. $28/€22). The first comprehensive field guide to all raptors and owls recorded in Georgia (Caucasus region), describing 45 species including breeding birds, seasonal residents, migrants, and rare visitors. Includes accurate and practical information on identification, behavior, confusing species, habitat, food source, nesting, and population status of each species within Georgia. There are over 400 color illustrations depicting plumage variation for each species according to age, sex, and race, including behavior and habitat compositions pertinent to the region. The innovative layout is specifically designed for accurate use in the field, dedicating each page-spread to a single species. For quick reference there are dynamic raptor-flight arrangements accompanied by captions for keying-out comparative information about plumage according to age, wing posture, and flight type. In addition, there are color distribution maps for every species according to its status within Georgia. Language: Bilingual–English and Georgian. Distributor: NHBS Environment Bookstore, 2 - 3 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN, United Kingdom (PH: +44 (0) 1803 865913, FX: +44 (0) 1803 865280, EM: customer. services@nhbs.co.uk, URL: http://www.nhbs.com).
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FREE to an individual or institution for cost of postage and packing: Ecology, vols. 48 - 52 (1967 - 1971) and Evolution, vols. 21 - 24 (1967 - 1970). All numbers intact. Contact WILLIAM M. GILBERT (EM: wmglbrt@aol.com).
AVAILABLE: Bound Bull. Nuttall Ornithol. Club, Vol. 1-8,1876-1883 with separate bound index for Vol. 1-8; Bound Vol I to LIV of the Auk, 1884 through 1937; separate bound indices to Volumes 1-17, 18-27, 28-37, 38-47; individual copies of Auk from January 1938 through January 1950. Copy of Fifty Years Progress of American Ornithology 1883-1933. All in very good condition. Contact: murdockg@comcast.net
AVAILABLE: CONSERVATION POSTERS--The Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo's Department of Ornithology produced a series of posters over the last 20 years: Amazon Parrots, Macaws, Cockatoos, Large Asian Hornbills, Small Asian Hornbills. We still have over 25,000 and would like to make them available to anyone able to use them to promote conservation. However, we are unable to ship small quantities at this time. The posters are packed 100 to a box and we are happy to send as many boxes as you can use, for the cost of postage. We will also consider requests if you can't afford postage. Please contact CHRIS SHEPPARD (EM: csheppard@wcs.org) for more information.
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A 'permanent' meeting list is maintained on BIRDNET (http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/BIRDMEET.html) that focuses mainly on meetings of the Societies that are members of the OC, showing the planned sites and dates of ornithological meetings as far into the future as possible. Note that BIRDNET also maintains a site for the International Ornithological Committee, which includes links to past and future Congresses, at http://www.i-o-c.org/IOComm/index.htm.
* in this section indicates new or revised entry
THE INLAND BIRD BANDING ASSOCIATION will hold its annual meeting in Kalamazoo, MI the weekend of 30 Sep through 2 Oct 2005. The meeting will be at the Kellogg Biological Station on Gull Lake. Presentations will include work on the Kirtland's Warbler in the Bahamas, the search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, along with others, as well as banding demonstrations and other field trips. Go to the IBBA website (URL: http://aves.net/inlandbba/ibbamain.htm) to download a pdf file of the registration materials.
IV NATIONAL PERUVIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE (9-12 Oct 2005) at Universidad Catolica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo, Chiclayo, Peru is being organized by Naturaleza and Cultura Internacional, Asociacion Cracidae Peru. For more information visit: http://www.darwinnet.org/VICNO/ or contact vicno@darwinnet.org.
*The RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION (RRF) 2005 annual meeting will be held from 12-16 Oct at the KI Convention Center and adjoining Regency Suites Hotel in Green Bay, Wisconsin (URL: http://www. regencygb.com/convention.html). The meeting will be hosted by the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity, which is part of the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay (URL: http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity). The meeting will include social gatherings, approximately 60 oral presentations each 20 minutes in length, and 13 posters. Sessions will cover topics such as peregrine falcon taxonomy, raptor migration, raptor conservation, and raptor ecology. A raptor education session covering nearly a day has been organized by KATE DAVIS, Executive Director of Raptors of the Rockies. Field trips include a visit to EUGENE JACOB’S Linwood Springs Research Station near Stevens Point to observe Saw-whet Owl banding and an outing to observe raptor migration on the Lake Michigan shore. Details on the meeting are posted and updated periodically on the RRF web site at http://biology.boisestate.edu/raptor or: for general information, contact RRF Conference Committee Chair DAN VARLAND (PH: 360-538-4582; EM: daniel.varland@rayonier.com). Though the deadline for submission of abstracts has passed plenty of hotel space is available!
28TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WATERBIRD SOCIETY will be held in Jacksonville, FL, during 13-16 Oct 2005.
*The SOUTH EASTERN ASSOCIATION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES is holding its 59th annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri, 16-19 Oct 2005. For conference details and accommodations, please visit: http://www.mdc.mo.gov/seafwa. Visit the wildlife page for information about the All-Bird special symposium. (EM: Denise.Bateman@mdc.mo.gov or Donna.Richards@mdc.mo.gov; PH: 573-522-4155 ext. 3150 or 3823).
THE SOCIETY OF CANADIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS will meet at the Delta Halifax Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia from 20 - 22 Oct 2005. Information on the program, accommodations and deadlines for abstracts and registration is posted on the society website (URL: http://www.sco-soc.ca/).
20TH TRUMPETER SWAN SOCIETY CONFERENCE **CALL FOR PAPERS**--The 20th Trumpeter Swan Society (TTSS) Conference will be held in Council Bluffs, Iowa, 20-22 Oct 2005. The Conference will be co-hosted by TTSS and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and held at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Ameristar. The focus of the 20th Conference will be the restoration of the Interior Population of Trumpeter Swans. In addition, the Conference will include sessions on the biology, habitat concerns, and management of all Trumpeter Swan populations in the U.S. and Canada. Contact MADELEINE LINCK (EM: ttss@threeriversparkdistrict.org, PH: 763-694-7851) for additional information, including presentation guidelines and submission dates.
4TH INTERNATIONAL HORNBILL CONFERENCE, Mabula Game Lodge, South Africa, 6-9 Nov 2005. Theme: "The Active Management of Hornbills and their Habitats for Conservation." Organized by The Ground Hornbill Research and Conservation Project, South Africa, in association with the Hornbill Research Foundation, Thailand, the Conference will be held at Mabula Game Lodge inside the Mabula Game Reserve, 40 km west of Bela Bela, South Africa and two hours drive north of Johannesburg International Airport. This 4th Conference aims to bring together field researchers from Asia and Africa on the conservation and management of hornbill populations, as well as zoo and bird park curators, veterinarians and all others interested in the field of management, reproduction and conservation of hornbills. The Conference will focus on topics such as provision of nest boxes, supplementation of food, captive breeding and husbandry, reintroduction and translocation, genetic analysis, capture and marking, comparison with sympatric species, habitat analysis and habitat alteration. However, there will also be opportunities to report on new information for other aspects of hornbill biology. On the final day there will be two separate sessions, one by the IUCN/SSC Hornbill Specialist Group to identify global problems and priorities for conservation action, and a second on the Ground Hornbills and their conservation in Africa. The registration fee for the Conference is ZAR 3,000.00 (*genuine students ZAR 1,700.00) and is payable to the Conference Organizers. This fee includes access to all Conference facilities and documents, an ice-breaker on the first evening, and a copy of the Conference proceedings. Financial aid to attend and participate in the Conference will be sought for deserving participants from developing countries on a case-by-case basis. All participants will be required to stay at the Lodge. The rates for all accommodation are as follows and all payments must be made in South African Rands (ZAR, current exchange rate for rough estimation, US$1.00 = ZAR 5.80). For further information, please visit the Conference Website (URL: http://www.nfi.org.za/Birds/hornbillconf_website/index.html) or contact Conference Organizers: ALAN & MEG KEMP, Postnet Suite #38, Private Bag X19, Menlo Park, 0102 South Africa (PH/FX: +27-12-804-7637, EM: hornbillconference2005@yahoo.co.uk).
THE SECOND NORTH AMERICAN SEA DUCK CONFERENCE, sponsored by The Sea Duck Joint Venture, is scheduled for 7-11 Nov 2005 at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland, USA. Various federal and private organizations are also sponsors of this international conference and the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) is the host agency. This meeting of sea duck scientists from around the world provides a forum to exchange information about sea duck biology and management. The conference will provide a stimulating environment, in which scientists may expand their scientific vision in hopes of a better understanding and conservation of sea ducks. All research disciplines dealing with sea ducks will be considered for oral or poster presentations. Workshops will be conducted on topics including offshore wind farms, contaminants, satellite telemetry, and seaduck harvest (sport and subsistence). Tours available for the conference include Baltimore Inner Harbor (Aquarium), Historic Annapolis (Naval Academy), and the PWRC sea duck colony. A website has been established for more information and includes registration and abstract submission guidelines. (URL: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/seaduck_conf2005/, EM: SeaDuckConf@usgs.gov). Conference Chair: MATTHEW C. PERRY; Conference Coordinator: ALICIA M. WELLS.
*BIRD CONSERVATION ALLIANCE will hold a meeting 9 - 10 Nov 2005 in Arlington, VA at The Nature Conservancy Worldwide Office. Discussions and information will include; Endangered Species Act, Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, Farm Bill, a Collision Hazards to Birds panel and a Latin American panel with the purpose of creating a forum to bring organizations in touch with bird conservation in Central and South America and in Mexico. The meeting also includes a special presentation by Magdalena Rovalo, Pronatura Noreste Director about the BCA International Project Mexican Grasslands Appeal and a presentation by James Tate, Senior Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Interior. Contact ALICIA CRAIG at American Bird Conservancy (PH: 317-251-2473, EM: acraig@abcbirds.org) for more information or visit http://www.birdconservationalliance.org.
THE WATERBIRD SOCIETY will hold a special meeting in the city of Tainan, Taiwan 24-27 Nov 2005. The theme of the meeting will be Avian Disease and the Migration of Birds. Recent outbreaks of avian influenza in Asia, Europe and North America sparked concern about the transmission between birds and humans. The Waterbird Society will sponsor symposia on avian diseases and bird migration focusing on Asia to understand the evidence for transmission between wild and domestic birds. There will also be symposia on the biology of the black-faced spoonbill, conservation of long-legged wading birds, shorebird migration, and workshops on regional conservation. This meeting promises to be an exciting event with legendary Taiwanese hospitality and a full program of international scientists. You will likely be pleasantly surprised to see how much of the natural beauty of Taiwan remains and field trips are being planned to whet your travel appetite. For more information go to http://www.waterbirds2005.org.
*BIRDS AUSTRALIA'S THIRD BIENNIAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE will be held at Blenheim, New Zealand on 6-10 Dec 2005. This year it will be held in Blenheim, hosted by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand. The Australasian Wader Studies Group will hold their two-day conference immediately following the AOC 2005 at Nelson, from 11 - 13 Dec. Both conferences will have post-conference field excursions. Following the AOC these include boat trips off Kaikoura to see seabirds, Marlborough Sounds launch trips to see inshore seabirds and rare forest species surviving on predator free islands, and the opportunity to visit a Department of Conservation Mainland Island project. After the ASC a two day trip to Farewell Spit will be run. People attending both conferences will be in a position to join AOC field trips before the ASC conference. Conference coordinator: SUE BELL, 35 Selmes Rd, RD 3, Blenheim, New Zealand (EM: wmilblenheim@clear.net.nz). For further information visit http://www.osnz.org.nz/conference.htm or http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/aoc/
*THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP will host its annual meeting 15-19 Feb 2006 at the Alyeska Prince Hotel (URL: http://www.alyeskaresort.com/) at the world class ski resort in Girdwood, Alaska. The schedule, field trips, and registration information will be posted at http://www.pacificse abirdgroup.org. Papers on all marine subjects welcome but specific sessions will focus on; what chemical analyses can tell us about seabirds, fisheries/seabird interaction, marine birds as indicators of the marine ecosystem, and planktivorous alcids. Field trips include a pelagic voyage in the Gulf of Alaska, a trip to the Alaska SeaLife Center, and dog sledding. Meeting also coincides with Anchorage’s annual winter festival. Contact VERENA GILL (EM: verena_gill@fws.gov) for questions about local arrangements and registration and KATIE O'REILLY (EM: oreilly@up.edu) for information about the scientific program.
*THE FIRST SHOREBIRD SCIENCE IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE MEETING will be held at the University of Colorado campus in Boulder, Colorado, between 27 Feb and 2 Mar 2006. The purpose of the meeting is to: (1) bring together biologists studying breeding, staging and wintering shorebirds throughout the Western Hemisphere in one location, (2) promote information sharing on methodologies and study design among biologists working on different shorebird species, (3) promote range-wide studies of shorebirds by fostering collaborations among biologists interested in particular species, 4) integrate science into the implementation of various shorebird conservation plans, and (5) to generate enthusiasm in the shorebird community to conduct additional studies of shorebirds in the future. Additional details of the meeting, including the venue, abstract and symposium submittal deadlines, science program, etc., are posted on the US Shorebird Conservation Plan website (URL: http://www.fws.gov/shorebirdplan/ScienceMeeting.htm). Please mark your calendars now and plan on attending. Questions about meeting arrangements should be addressed to RICK LANCTOT, overall meeting coordinator (EM: richard_lanctot@fws.gov, PH: 1-907-786-3609); BRAD ANDRES, Boulder Logistics Coordinator (EM: brad_andres@fws.gov, PH: 1-303-275-2324); and STEPHEN BROWN, Science Program Committee Chair (EM: sbrown@manoment.org, PH: 1-508-224-6521).
GAMEBIRD 2006 - A Joint Conference - Quail VI and Perdix XII. 31 May -4 Jun 2006 at The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. The Warnell School of Forest Resources is hosting Gamebird 2006, an international conference on management of gamebirds. This meeting combines the 6th North American Quail Conference and the 12th Perdix Conference to encourage international collaboration and exchange of ideas. The primary focus of this conference will be ecology of gamebirds in managed ecosystems in the previous focus areas of North America and Europe, but also South America, Africa, and Asia. Participation of biologists involved in all aspects of management and research of gamebirds is encouraged. Please see the conference website for details (URL: http://gallus.forestry.uga.edu/QuailVI/) or contact DR. JOHN P. CARROLL (EM: jcarroll@forestry.uga.edu).
24TH INTERNATIONAL ORNITHOLOGICAL CONGRESS 2006, 13-19 Aug 2006, Hamburg, Germany. Call for contributions is closed. Website (URL: http://www.i-o-c.org).
4TH NORTH AMERICAN DUCK SYMPOSIUM AND WORKSHOP, Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck, North Dakota, 23-26 Aug 2006. Organized by North Dakota Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society, and Bureau of Reclamation. The theme is "Integrating Waterfowl Science and Management." Contact MIKE JOHNSON (EM: mjohnson@state.nd.us PH: 701-328-6319) for additional information or to be put on the email list for future information and announcements.
NEXT ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY will be held in conjunction with the 4th North American Ornithological Conference 3-7 Oct 2006, in Veracruz City, Mexico.
4TH NORTH AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE, Veracruz City, Mexico, 3-7 Oct 2006--The 4th NAOC is being organized jointly by the American Ornithologists' Union, Cooper Ornithological Society, Society of Canadian Ornithologists-Société des Ornithologistes du Canada, Association of Field Ornithologists, Wilson Ornithological Society, Waterbird Society, Raptor Research Foundation, and Sección Mexicana del Consejo Internacional para la Preservación de las Aves -CIPAMEX (local host). The conference is also endorsed by the Neotropical Ornithological Society, Pacific Seabird Group, and Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. The conference theme is "Wings without borders". The Steering Committee is co-chaired by CHARLES M. FRANCIS (EM: charles.francis@ec.gc.ca) and JOSÉ LUIS ALCÁNTARA (EM: jlalcant@colpos.mx). The Scientific Program Committee is co-chaired by JOHN FAABORG (University of Missouri, EM: faaborgj@missouri.edu) and J. FRANCISCO ORNELAS (Instituto de Ecología, EM: ornelasj@ecologia.edu.mx). The Scientific Program Committee will issue a call for symposia in the early fall 2005, and the full conference program is expected to be assembled in December 2005. The mailing of the Circular of Information and call for papers will be made in January 2006. The Local Committee is cochaired by ERNESTO RUELAS INZUNZA (EM: ruelas01@prodigy.net.mx) and JUAN E. MARTÍNEZ GÓMEZ (EM: endemicos_insulares@yahoo.com.mx). The conference will feature a rich scientific program, symposia, plenary lectures, business meetings of societies, and social activities. Pre-and post-conference activities will include training workshops, and birding, culture, and nature tours. Veracruz is home to a rich avifauna, with over 700 species reported for the state, of which >230 species are Neotropical migrants and >20 species are endemic to Mexico. The conference is scheduled to coincide with the peak of the migration season in the world's largest raptor migration bottleneck. Check the NAOC website for updates on organization (URL: http://www.NAOC2006.org).
10TH AMERICAN WOODCOCK SYMPOSIUM (4-6 Oct 2006), hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center near Grayling, MI. For more information visit the symposium website (URL: http://www.michigandnr.com/woodcock-symposium/)
VIII NEOTROPICAL ORNITHOLOGICAL CONGRESS will be held in Jun 2007 in Maturín (Monagas, Venezuela) together with the Unión Venezolana de Ornitología and our Secretary General will be Carlos Bosque.
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STANLEY H. ANDERSON, a member of the AOU since 1967, elected Elective Member in 1986; member of the AFO since 1995, COS since 1969; RRF since 97; and WOS since 1988, died at his home in Laramie, WY, on 1 Sep 2005.
FRANCISCO BERNIS of Spain, elected a Corresponding Fellow of the AOU in 1960 and an Honorary Fellow in 1982, died in late 2003 at the age of 87. His passing has only recently been brought to the attention of the AOU Secretary.
CAROL L. CAMPBELL has completed her Ph.D. in Biogeography with Professor Hartmut S. Walter at UCLA. She has accepted an Assistant Professor position in the Geography Department at New Mexico State University. Her new contact information is New Mexico State University, Department of Geography, Box 30001 /MSC MAP, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001. EM: geobird@nmsu.edu
CHRIS JOHNSON recently left University of Washington and has joined a private consulting firm in Seattle. The new contact info (home and work) is below: Work: Environmental International Ltd., 5505 34th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98105. PH: 206-525-3362, EM: chris.thompson@eiltd.net. Home: 15600 185th Ave. NE, Woodinville, WA 98072. Home (cell): 206-948-4798, EM: thompsoncw@msn.com
BRIAN PEER is now an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, EM: BD-Peer@wiu.edu.
REBECCA SAFRAN has moved from Cornell to Princeton University. Her new address is: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 106A Guyot Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544. PH: 609-258-6228, EM: rsafran@princeton.edu.
JAMES N. M. SMITH, a member of the AOU since 1982, elected Elective Member in 1986 and Fellow in 1994, died at his home in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on 18 July 2005 following an 11-year battle with cancer. After completing his Ph.D at Oxford, Dr. Smith spent his entire career at the University of British Columbia. He was best-known for his long-term research on the Song Sparrows of Mandarte Island, for which he was awarded the William Brewster Memorial Award of the AOU in 2002.
J. MARY TAYLOR, who was made Honorary Life Member by the American Society of Mammalogists in 2001, was given that same honor by the Australian Mammal Society in July, 2005.
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To correct your address in the membership database please send the new information to the OSNA Business Office, 5400 Bosque Blvd., Suite 680, Waco, TX 76710 (EM: business@osnabirds.org, PH: 254-399-9636, FX: 254-776-3767) or change it yourself online (URL: http://www.osnabirds.org). To alert your colleagues of new address information contact the Ornithological Newsletter Editor, CHERYL L. TRINE (address below).
CHANGES/ADDITIONS:
MARK A. PROCTOR. EM: guamrail43@yahoo.com
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The Ornithological Newsletter (ISSN 0274-564X) is published bimonthly by the Ornithological Societies of North America (OSNA) in electronic and paper forms. Membership dues in any OSNA Society include $3.50 for the cost of publication. Separate subscriptions are not available. For application to membership, write the OSNA office, 5400 Bosque Blvd., Suite 680, Waco, TX 76710.
Questions, comments and notices can be sent to Cheryl L. Trine, Ornithological Newsletter Editor at ctrine@andrews.edu
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